Development of an Interdisciplinary Experimental Series for the Laboratory Courses of Cell and Molecular Biology and Advance Inorganic Chemistry

Abstract

An interdisciplinary approach to education has become more important in the development of science and technology, which requires universities to have graduates with broad knowledge and skills and to apply these skills in solving real-world problems. An interdisciplinary experimental series has been developed for the laboratories in cell and molecular biology and advanced inorganic chemistry. Students performed the synthesis and characterization of a Ru(II) monoarene anticancer complex in the advanced inorganic chemistry laboratory, followed by testing its DNA-binding properties in the cell and molecular biology laboratory. The objectives of this experimental series are to introduce the students to the connections between different scientific subjects and to the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in solving practical scientific problems. Students learn important techniques such as synthesis and purification, 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy, and electrophoresis that are used collectively in the develop...